Abstract: A high speed image capture apparatus includes a camera with an integration period between consecutive flashes of an illuminating light pulse, where the camera has an image read out period and an image output. A timer for provides a strobe output representative of the start of a flash. An image capture apparatus captures a first image during the integration period and a second image within a predetermined time after capturing the first image but before the image read out period has elapsed so as to substantially increase a rate of producing usable image outputs. The image capture apparatus is coupled to the strobe output and the image output.

Abstract: An automated laboratory process monitoring method for a computer controlled automated cytology system initializes lab process assessment slide data so as to produce an initial batch of qualified slides. Monitor parameters are extracted from the initial batch of qualified slides so as to determine control limits. Field data is monitored by comparing the field data to the control limits.

Abstract: Accurately measuring and controlling the system transfer function of an imaging system, by eliminating interference from aliases. An image is captured of an image primitive with a uniaxial pattern, oriented at an angle to the primary axes of a sampling array. In order to accurately measure the system transfer function, a two-dimensional frequency representation is computed. The aliased components of the representation are separated from the unaliased components by translation in frequency along the axis perpendicular to the axis of the image primitive. Accurate measurement of the system transfer function makes it possible to accurately control the system transfer function.

Abstract: An automated biological screening system obtains biological and procedural data from a slide set of a selected clinical laboratory. The integration system tests the data on standardized criteria and passes and fails the data in selected categories. The results of the assessment are used to make process adjustment recommendations based on the results of a laboratory process adjustment procedure. Assessment and adjustment may continue until data from a slide set from the selected clinical laboratory passes in each category. The integration system then sets up, calibrates and installs the automated biological screening system. During operation, the integration system continuously monitors biological data generated by the automated biological screening system. The biological data may also be stored in a central product/service database for additional monitoring. The integration system also serves as an objective standard for reviewing and improving laboratory practices.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for checking cytological system image collection integrity in an automated cytological system including an imaging apparatus controlled by a digital processor. The automated apparatus includes linearity checking apparatus, coupled to the imaging apparatus and the digital processor. System frequency response is checked using a modulation transfer function, where the sampling frequency may be determined by pixel size so as to allow the MTF to be determined beyond the sampling frequency of a system detector. A system signal to noise ratio is also checked for specific regions of the frequency spectrum.

Abstract: An array of touch sensors are brought in contact with a ball grid array. A linear actuator moves the array of touch sensors. The position of the linear actuator is known very precisely. As the touch sensors encounter the ball grid array, they provide a signal to a computer system that an element on the ball grid array has been encountered. The computer notes the position of the linear actuator and the particular sensor in the touch sensor array that is providing the signal. Initially, each touch sensor rests against a printed circuit board circuit with a conductive disk connecting the circuit in an unactuated position. In an actuated position, the circuit is broken by the touch sensor being forced away from the printed circuit board by the object encountered. Positive air pressure is provided against one side of the disk to press it against the contact points on the printed circuit board. An alignment plate helps prevent tilting of a touch sensor.

Abstract: The detection of bubbles in coverslip adhesive. Bubbles in coverslip adhesive may span large areas of the coverslip. An automated cytology system acquires 4 x gray scale images of the slide. Image conditioning is then performed. The conditioned gray scale image is binomially filtered providing a binomial filtered image. The gray scale image is subtracted from the binomial filtered image to produce a high pass enhanced image. An object mask detection is then performed on the high pass enhanced image. Objects are classified to identify bubble edgest. Multiple detections of bubble edges are pieced together to detect bubbles much larger than the area covered by a single image from the detector and the microscope lens. Bubbles are located even if low level image analysis shows gaps in the edges. The cytological system fills in significant gaps in the detected bubble edges. The result is then used for further processing by the automated cytology system.

Abstract: An automated method for checking cytological system autofocus integrity. The automated method includes the steps of checking focus illumination integrity, checking focus camera Modulation Transfer Function, checking focus camera position integrity, and checking closed loop accuracy. Checking focus illumination integrity includes checking focus illumination system integrity, and checking a focus noise floor level. Checking focus camera position integrity includes checking focus camera longitudinal separation, and checking focus camera lateral separation. Checking focus camera position integrity includes checking focus filter frequency response.